This exciting announcement has been met with tremendous community enthusiasm. Recent press coverage, in the Isthmus, Wisconsin State Journal, and on NBC15, has helped shine a spotlight on the possibilities ahead. Our celebration at the Muskellounge brought together supporters, partners, and neighbors to toast what this moment means for Monona and our community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and look forward to sharing more as Phase I begins to take shape. 

Spring has also reminded us just how alive San Damiano Park can be when filled with community. From welcoming families and bird enthusiasts during World Migratory Bird Day, to laughter and connection at our first Sunset Games gathering, to the incredible generosity shown during our Spring Lawn Games: Croquet Classic fundraiser this past weekend, each event has helped activate the park in meaningful and joyful ways. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and celebrated with us, you are helping build the future of this special place. 

And there is so much more to come. June will be one of the most exciting months yet at San Damiano Park, as we are proud to welcome back the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival, where artists will once again transform wood into works of art along our shoreline. As Loop the Lake participants navigate a detour through the park, we look forward to welcoming many new visitors to experience this scenic space for the first time. On June 21, join us for Make Music Day, a free afternoon of live local music, food carts, refreshments, and lakeside celebration to welcome summer. 

Then, on June 25, we proudly launch Concerts on the Shore, our free summer music series presented by WVMO 98.7, the Voice of Monona, with legendary Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials headlining an unforgettable evening on Lake Monona. With food carts, beverages, and the stunning backdrop of the Whitehorse Sculpture Festival, it promises to be a joyful gathering for the whole community. Be sure to save the date for July 16, when the series continues with Armchair Boogie. 

Thank you for being part of this growing movement. Together, we are creating something truly special at San Damiano Park, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the shore this summer. 

With gratitude,

Cara Erickson
Executive Director, Friends of San Damiano

The post Momentum is Building at San Damiano Park appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

July 16 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

VENUE UPDATE: This event is now hosted at The Atwood Music Hall (1925 Winnebago Street, Madison)

Presented by WVMO, Armchair Boogie will headline the July date of our free, music series. With opener, Honor Among Thieves, this show will bring blues, rock, funk, and soul energy to The Atwood Music Hall (1925 Winnebago Street, Madison).

Jamgrass, newgrass, funkgrass, whatever you want to call it— Armchair Boogie is rapidly becoming one of the country’s hottest acts. With an unbounded sound, this Wisconsin-based quartet is known for its powerful harmonies, timeless originals, and choice covers, along with unforgettable live performances. Listed as a “Must-See Roots Artists at Bourbon & Beyond” by The Bluegrass Situation who wrote, “We recently caught this jammy Wisconsin outfit at Earl Scruggs Music Festival, where they burnt down their late-night set.”

Honor Among Thieves has been making original music in this city since 1982. And they’re still writing, still performing, still doing it entirely on their own terms. Their sound has been compared to Tom Waits on cocaine and the bastard love child of Captain Beefheart and Muddy Waters, which should tell you everything you need to know about whether they color inside the lines, which they don’t.

Hosted in partnership with WVMO, this event is only possible because of our community sponsors. Food trucks, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and opportunities to connect with community partners and one another rounds out this series of events.

Food trucks for this event includes Café Costa Rica, Jakarta Café, Naan Stop Fusion, and Curd Girl.

Volunteers needed! Have a few hours to give back? Volunteers are needed in the beverage tent. Sign up here.

Concerts on the Shore is presented thanks to the generous support of our community partners.

Concerts on the Shore Headliner Sponsor

Concerts on the Shore Stage Sponsor

Concerts on the Shore Rhythm Sponsor

Concerts on the Shore Lakefront Community Sponsor

Concerts on the Shore In-Kind Community Sponsor

AmericInn
South 101 W Broadway
Monona, WI 53716
608-467-4791

Avid
900 W Broadway
Monona, WI 53716
608-957-7600

Country Inn & Suites
400 River Pl
Monona, WI 53716
608-221-0055

Use promo code ‘LSAND’
for 25% off your stay at
Country Inn & Suites.

The post Concert on the Shore: Armchair Boogie appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

October 11 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunset at San Damiano Park is one of THE BEST in Dane County. Join us and add a spectacular backdrop to your Sunday evening.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, May through October, join us for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Monona. Enjoy dinner from the food cart or bring your own. Partake in free lawn games with family and friends. Relax with live music as you take it all in.

Lawn games (bags, bocce, ladder toss, connect 4, croquet, and giant Jenga), along with a different food cart option and live music each month will surely enhance your monthly experience of the best sunset in Dane County. 

In October, join us for Rich Kessler, a classic rock, blues and country musician.

Jakarta Café will vend food. Beverages will be for sale thanks to Friends of San Damiano.

The post Sunset Games in October appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

September 13 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunset at San Damiano Park is one of THE BEST in Dane County. Join us and add a spectacular backdrop to your Sunday evening.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, May through October, join us for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Monona. Enjoy dinner from the food cart or bring your own. Partake in free lawn games with family and friends. Relax with live music as you take it all in.

Lawn games (bags, bocce, ladder toss, connect 4, croquet, and giant Jenga), along with a different food cart option and live music each month will surely enhance your monthly experience of the best sunset in Dane County. 

In September, join us for Raquel Aleman, a soul, pop, R&B, funk, singer-songwriter.

Jakarta Café will vend food. Beverages will be for sale thanks to Friends of San Damiano.

The post Sunset Games in September appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

August 9 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunset at San Damiano Park is one of THE BEST in Dane County. Join us and add a spectacular backdrop to your Sunday evening.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, May through October, join us for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Monona. Enjoy dinner from the food cart or bring your own. Partake in free lawn games with family and friends. Relax with live music as you take it all in.

Lawn games (bags, bocce, ladder toss, connect 4, croquet, and giant Jenga), along with a different food cart option and live music each month will surely enhance your monthly experience of the best sunset in Dane County. 

In August, join us for the Ham & Eggers, playing country, blues, and swing of the early 50s & 60s as well as honky-tonk roadhouse fare.

Café Costa Rica will vend food. Beverages will be for sale thanks to Friends of San Damiano.

The post Sunset Games in August appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

July 12 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Sunset at San Damiano Park is one of THE BEST in Dane County. Join us and add a spectacular backdrop to your Sunday evening.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, May through October, join us for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Monona. Enjoy dinner from the food cart or bring your own. Partake in free lawn games with family and friends. Relax with live music as you take it all in.

Lawn games (bags, bocce, ladder toss, connect 4, croquet, and giant Jenga), along with a different food cart option and live music each month will surely enhance your monthly experience of the best sunset in Dane County. 

In July, join us for Cece Erling, a youth singer/songwriter on ukelele, from 4:45 to 5:15pm and DeLuca Wallding, a phenomenal young guitarist who is new to the area, from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Jolly Frog will vend food. Beverages will be for sale thanks to the Friends of San Damiano.

The post Sunset Games in July appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

Monday, April 20th marked an important milestone, not only for San Damiano Park, but for Monona and our Dane County community. Unanimously, the City of Monona Common Council officially approved the Phase I Conceptual Development Plan, setting in motion the first tangible steps toward transforming this lakefront park into a vibrant, welcoming destination for daily use.   

From Underutilized to Destination 

For years, San Damiano Park has held incredible potential, beautifully located along Lake Monona, yet limited by barriers that make it difficult to fully enjoy. Phase I is designed to change that by focusing on immediate activation and visible progress: 

• Making the site easier to access  
• Creating reasons to visit every day
• Building energy, activity, and connection  

Phase I includes thoughtful improvements that invite people in. 

What Happens Next: Bringing the Space to Life 

The approved plan focuses on key improvements that will fundamentally reshape how the space is used: 

Access That Works for Everyone 
Addressing parking and site flow removes one of the biggest barriers to use, making it easier for families, visitors, and community members to show up and stay. 

A True Waterfront Experience 
New pier structures, safe lake entry points, and a welcoming patio will create something the community has long been missing: a place to gather, relax, and experience Lake Monona up close, especially at sunset. 

Adaptively Reusing the Frank Allis House 
This historic structure will be reimagined as a functional, inviting hub, offering restrooms and food and beverage options that support daily use and longer visits. 

Designed for Families & Connection 
With outdoor play features and multi-generational spaces, the site will become a place where families can spend time together and return again and again. 

A New Name, A New Identity 
As part of this transformation, the park will be renamed, signaling a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose for the space. 

Phase I Site Plan

Phase I Special Events

Phase I Daily Experience

This Is Just the Beginning 

The Phase I Plan is intentionally designed to do three things: 

1. Build momentum through visible progress

2. Increase community ownership and pride  

3. Create a foundation for long-term investment and growth  

When people experience a place easily and fully, they begin to believe in what it can become. That belief is what fuels everything that comes next. With Phase I approved, the real work begins to turn these plans into reality. 

In the months ahead, we’ll move into implementation, partnerships, and the next phase of fundraising to bring these ideas to life. This transformation will not happen alone. It will take a community of people who care about this space and what it represents. 

And, if last night is any indication, the Monona community is ready. This is the beginning of a place people will gather, return to, and take pride in—for generations. 

Stay Connected 

We’ll be sharing updates, opportunities to get involved, and ways to support the next phase in the months ahead. If you haven’t done so already, please join our mailing list to stay in the loop. And, never hesitate to reach out with questions and comments… We’d love to hear from you. 

Thanks for your support of the San Damiano Park and this incredible space. 

With gratitude, 

Cara Erickson 
Executive Director 
Friends of San Damiano 

cara@sandamianomonona.org

Media pieces sparked by this exciting news include:

Isthmus: ‘Dining on Lake Monona?’

Channel 3000: ‘Monona Common Council approves first phase of San Damiano Park redesign’

InBusiness: ‘Monona approves first phase of San Damiano Park for community use’

NBC15: Monona Common Council approves plan to transform San Damiano Park

The post A Major Step Forward: Phase I Conceptual Plan Unanimously Approved appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

September 19 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Join us for our 4th annual Celebration on the Shore: The Golden Hour Gala, an unforgettable evening along the shores of Lake Monona in support of one of our community’s most treasured places. As the sun sets over the lake, guests will gather beneath the big top for a night of delicious food, live music, inspiring stories, and a lively benefit auction, all in celebration of the beauty, history, and future of San Damiano.

For generations, San Damiano has been a place where people come to pause, connect, and experience the wonders of nature. Whether it’s watching a breathtaking sunset, taking a quiet walk along the shoreline, attending a community event, or simply gathering with family and friends, San Damiano creates moments that become lasting memories. Today, Friends of San Damiano is working to ensure those moments remain possible for generations to come.

Celebration on the Shore offers a unique opportunity for recognition via sponsorship, supporting the implementation of the San Damiano Master Plan and ensuring this treasured lakeshore property remains welcoming and accessible for generations to come. Learn how your sponsorship will be recognized at our annual fundraising gala.

The post Celebration on the Shore: The Golden Hour Gala appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.

June 14 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT

Sunset at San Damiano Park is one of THE BEST in Dane County. Join us and add a spectacular backdrop to your Sunday evening.

The 2nd Sunday of each month, May through October, join us for a peaceful evening on the shores of Lake Monona. Enjoy dinner from the food cart or bring your own. Partake in free lawn games with family and friends. Relax with live music as you take it all in.

Lawn games (bags, bocce, ladder toss, connect 4, croquet, and giant Jenga), along with a different food cart option and live music each month will surely enhance your monthly experience of the best sunset in Dane County. 

In June, join us for Eve Levi, an indie, pop, rock artist and Thailand in a Truck. Beverages will be for sale thanks to Friends of San Damiano.

The post Sunset Games in June appeared first on Friends of San Damiano.